 This was followed by other congresses, including those of soldiers, priests, students and teachers, all demanding self-rule.On –, 1917, a Congress of Clergy and representatives of parish committees was held in Chişinău, demanding a Moldavian archbishop to head the Church in Bessarabia, political autonomy of Bessarabia, and the setting of a High Council as a national legislative and executive body.Similar motions were passed in all nine counties of Bessarabia.